Our network at COP21

On 4th of December, at the core of the COP21 negotiations, the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo and Michael Bloomberg will convey 1000 Mayors from all over the world to attend a unique gathering that will highlight their commitments to fight climate change. Energy Cities is supporting the event and has been involved in the steering committee. In order to flesh out effective ways for local actors to engage and deliver the energy transition, Energy Cities is proposing a debate on December 3rd in the run-up to the “Climate Summit for Local Leaders”.

SAVE THE DATE FOR ENERGY CITIES’ COP21 DIALOGUE
COPowering change: The role of local governance in delivering the energy transition

The policy and action agenda that will emerge from the Paris agreement should provide a clear support to the local needs for action. The same applies for the 17th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on sustainable energy which will need to be implemented first and foremost at the local level.
Research shows that cities taking a collaborative approach to governance deliver twice as many low-carbon actions as those who rely on direct implementation alone.

While there is broad acknowledgement that cities need stronger autonomy and powers to carry out the energy transition and to tackle climate issues, many of those involved in the debate are not fully aware of the (legal, financial,...) prerequisites that would improve local governance. Energy Cities’ COP21 Dialogue creates the space and time to discuss and filter the best conditions for the energy transition to flourish.

Participation open to: policy-makers and practitioners interested in and committed to local democracy to accelerate the energy transition.